27 September 2013

Emedastine

General informationEmedastine is an antihistamine.
Antihistamines are drugs that counteract the effect of histamine, which is
released by the body during an allergic reaction in response to an allergen for
example pollen or grass, etc.

In South Africa emedastine is registered for the treatment of seasonal
allergic conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the eye.

This medication does not cure the underlying condition, but simply keeps the
symptoms under control. For it to be effective, it has to be taken
regularly.

It should be noted that because this drug may cause dizziness, and/or visual
disturbances, driving and any hazardous tasks should be avoided until you know
how this medication affects you.

Emedastine ophthalmic drops should not be used if you have soft contact
lenses in your eyes.

How does emedastine work?Emedastine blocks the receptors
in the eye to which histamine would normally bind, thereby reducing the effect
of histamine and stopping the allergic reaction.

Fast factsDrug schedule: schedule
2Available as: emedastine is available as eye
drops.What does it do? Emedastine relieves allergic eye
conditions.Overdose risk: lowDependence risk:
lowIs emedastine available as a generic?
noIs emedastine available on prescription only?
no

User informationStopping this medicine:
treatment with this medication can be safely stopped when no longer
needed.Prolonged use: regular eye examinations are advised
when using this product for prolonged periods of time. Changes to eye colour and
corneal surface are possible.

Special precautionsConsult your doctor before using
this drug if:

you are over the age of 65

you have liver or kidney disease

you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant

you are wearing contact lenses

you have been diagnosed with any chronic eye disease

Pregnancy: avoid. It is unknown how this medication may
affect your baby. Consult your doctor before using this drug, or if you are
planning to fall pregnant.Breastfeeding: avoid. It is
unknown how this medication may affect your baby. Consult your doctor before
use.Porphyria: avoid. It is unknown how this medication may
affect your condition. Consult your doctor before use.Infants and
children: this medication is not intended for use in children under the
age of four years.The elderly: caution is advised in the
elderly as side effects are more likely to occur.Driving and
hazardous work: Caution is advised as use of this medication may lead
to dizziness and/or blurred vision. Avoid such activities until you know how
this medication affects you.Alcohol: avoid concomitant use
of alcohol with this medication.

Possible side effects

Side effect

Frequency

Consult your doctor

Common

Rare

Only if severe

In all cases

blurred vision

x

x

eye irritation

x

x

burning/stinging

x

x

redness

x

x

discharge from the eye

x

x

sticky sensation in eye

x

x

sensation of having a foreign body in the eye

x

x

photosensitivity

x

x

runny nose

x

x

headache

x

x

change in eye color

x

x

swelling of eyelid

x

x

back pain

x

x

Interactions

Drug interactions

Consult your prescriber before using this medication, if you are using any
other chronic medication or eye drops.

Overdose actionA small overdose is no cause for concern.
In case of intentional large overdose, seek emergency medical attention.

Recommended dosageAdults: 1 drop in the affected
eye(s) twice a day.

This material is not intended to substitute medical advice, but is
for informational purposes only.Please consult a physician for
specific treatment and recommendations.

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The information on Health24 is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional. See additional information.